Thieves make off with quiz prizes

AS EAGER quiz fans gathered in a village hall to raise money for children in Africa, round the back, thieves were making off with the prizes.

Organisers of the event at the Old School Room in St Erth last Saturday discovered the theft just as the quiz began and were left having to explain the lack of prizes to the winners.

Organiser Jackie Elwin said bottles of wine went missing in the incident: "The winners weren't really worried because they were there for the charity and the fun but it is still sad that it should happen," she said.

The kitchen door at the rear of the Old School Room had been left open while the quiz was set up and food due to be served as part of the event was brought in.

"We contacted the police and they came and had a word with some of the young people in the village," said Mrs Elwin.

"They asked if we wanted to prosecute but I said I didn't. Hopefully a telling off will do it and maybe they would be prepared to do something around the village or in the church – I know there has been some vandalism in the churchyard lately so perhaps they could help there."

The quiz night was otherwise a success, with £229 being raised for the Pants and Pads Charity which helps girls in Africa miss less school.